Fed up with restrictions, one Florida school librarian is walking away

The big story: Florida schools have grappled with new rules governing the selection and retention of library books, much to the dismay of many media specialists who have been assigned the task.

One Osceola County high school librarian has had enough.

Though she planned stay on the job through her retirement, 51-year-old Tania Galiñanes decided to walk away from her career amid all the demands. She’s opening a bookstore instead. More from the Washington Post.

Seminole County media specialists are about 85% done with their review of a state list of challenged materials, Spectrum 13 reports.

Lee and Collier media specialists explain how they decide which books to allow in their schools, the Naples Daily News reports. Meanwhile, the Hernando County School Board will consider removing six additional titles from school shelves, Suncoast News reports. Review committees recommended keeping three of the six.

Hot topics

Vouchers: Students and families at a central Florida school that the state barred from receiving voucher funds say the school continues to operate as usual, WFTV reports. Meanwhile, documents offered more information about the state’s decision.

Teacher shortages: The Citrus County school district continues to recruit teachers to fill 28 vacancies, with some schools sitting over capacity, the Citrus County Chronicle reports.

Superintendents: Alachua County school district officials acknowledged that superintendent Shane Andrew cited scripture and carried a Bible when accusing staff members of “backstabbing him,” a claim that Andrew has previously denied, the Gainesville Sun reports. Andrew’s contract comes up for review in December,

School choice: The rise in home schooling across Florida offers students and families opportunities to participate in programs such as surfing and science, WLRN reports. • Alachua County’s superintendent has proposed opening a new International Baccalaureate magnet, prompting questions from board members about the idea’s viability, the Gainesville Sun reports.

New schools: The Orange County school district is preparing to open its 23rd high school, with a goal of easing crowding at other campuses, the Orlando Sentinel reports. • The Putnam County school district broke ground on the first of six new schools planned as part of a 30-year renovation program, Palatka Daily News reports.

Epipens: An Orange County mom wants lawmakers to mandate that before- and after-school care workers are trained in how to use Epipens for children, WKMG reports.

Board politics: As the Miami-Dade County School Board prepares to select its new leadership, observers consider the options on the board that has become increasingly conservative, the Miami Herald reports.

Armed teachers: The Brevard County school district is considering whether to allow teachers and other staff members to participate in the state’s armed school guard program, WMFE reports. The school board rejected that idea in 2018.

From the police blotter ... Orlando police are investigating a scam that has someone impersonating Orange County schools superintendent Maria Vasquez to ask district employees to purchase gift cards, WKMG reports. • The University of Florida has banned a student from campus for three years after police accused the student of vandalizing a pro-Israel sign by a fraternity, Fresh Take Florida reports.

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Before you go ... Harmonica does not scream out cool. But check out this group’s take on a Brazilian classic before you judge.

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